Short answer: the Revel M105, on the cleaner measurements. The M105 is essentially flat on-axis with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window and clean waterfall decay, while the JBL Studio 530 pairs a fairly flat response with a peak around 1.4kHz that shows up as a distinct harmonic distortion spike plus a second resonance bump around 2kHz. The M105 is not trouble-free either: its low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier.
Buy the Revel M105 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M105 | JBL Studio 530 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500 per pair Discontinued | $399 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #44 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 73.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide | 5.25” (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1” (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) | 18.4”H x 8.4”W x 8.7”D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 | 5.21 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 | 7.29 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.5kHz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Revel M105: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Studio 530: $399 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly flat on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the high-frequency roll-off. Measured bass extension of 73.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A peak around 1.4kHz is attributed to a tweeter resonance, and shows up as a distinct spike in harmonic distortion at that frequency along with a second resonance-driven bump around 2kHz. Response rolls off in the high frequencies and the tuning is a bit bass-shy overall. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows the same 1kHz-region resonances lingering in time. Discontinued.
Full JBL Studio 530 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.5kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 18.4”H x 8.4”W x 8.7”D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1” (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.21 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.29 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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